Life from a half century viewpoint

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Category Archives: Encouragement

Today, I am deeply saddened by the loss of Maya Angelou. Aside from the amazing strides she made in and for society, black women primarily, but all women and the literary contributions, she made a huge impact on my life. Mother Maya, as I’d always fondly referred to her as, touched my life greatly. I possess many of her works, which served to inspire, encourage and uplift me into the woman I am today. She rose above her so-called lacks, overcame much adversity, was a victor, and a woman of high regard when many thought less of her. She refused to settle for less and was inspired and encouraged to succeed against the odds…She did!

Mother Maya was world renowned, which for a black woman is an amazing feat to accomplish. Mother Maya taught us to be phenomenal, to be great, to be all that we could be and still strive for me. Her presence, her voice, her will was awe worthy and commanding, yet dispensed with grace and dignity.

I tend not to jump on the band wagon of those of celebrity who’ve passed, but in this instance, I’d be remiss if I didn’t. Again, Mother Maya was and will continue to be a woman I honoured and felt greatly touched and influenced my life. I’ve used her as a source of reference when mentoring young woman. I’ve gifted her books to young woman so they, too, could be encouraged, inspired, and know their worth.

The black community, the literary world, and many lives were blessed by her activism; her poise; her teachings and her passing is a great loss to them all. It is my hope that those who were touched, influenced, and affected by Mother Maya will continue her legacy in some form so that all she gave us will not be for naught.

RIP Mother Maya, you’ll be greatly and sorely missed.

Yea, I said it!

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I saw this quote last week presented under a different image, but it was the words and not the image that moved me. I couldn’t deny the truth of Mr. Zappa’s quote and I immediately thought about those people who fit into that category.

Of late, I’ve become the more annoyed with adults who defer their living for the sake of those mentioned in the quote; and others of course, and then whine and complain about their current state of being. All you hear “how did I get here?” “This isn’t the life I wanted for myself!” “I deserve better than this!” And similar rants and whining, without ever looking at themselves as being culpable for their misery. Women are more prone to these expressions; however, I’ve heard a few men express themselves similarly. We all get one life to live. There are no encores, no do-overs, and life is certainly not an audition you show up for. This is it! This is the real thing and no matter how you slice it, we have to make the most of it. I respect and understand there are late bloomers; I’m one! I respect and understand that experiences come with time. However, if you’re not living, how can you expect quality experiences, good; or bad opportunities to learn from, and most of all, what the hell with the dash between your sunrise and sunset count for?

For those who’ve known me over the years and even recently know that I’m an about it person. I’ve had my share of good and bad and with each experience, a life lesson was born. I will aid in anyone striving to overcome their issues if and when I can, but what I won’t do is placate and babysit anyone; especially adults who refuse to hold themselves accountable for their lives. Many try to live vicariously through their children, get married, have high-figured salaries, or whatever material gains that can amass, but even with all those things, they’re still miserable, dissatisfied, and envious; and sometimes judgmental of anyone who has substance and/or some bumps and bruises in their lives. Da cuss? Damn if you do and damned if you don’t comes instantly to mind with folk like that.

Well, my luvies, I’ve had about enough! I’m is sitting in the front seat of life’s car and I’m riding. I’m smiling because I’ve got God as my co-pilot and navigator. I knows that even if I makes a wrong turn, I’ll find a new experience in my life’s journey. Hell, I might find something truly amazing because I didn’t get mad, but accepted the change in direction. I’ve decided that I’m not being anyone’s emotional sponge and will listen with a keen ear filter and only retain that which is actually worth listening to, and with those I’ve aforementioned, it typically doesn’t tend to be much for than bullshit and rhetoric. This blog challenge opened my eyes to a new-found clarity. It’s forced me to be a little more introspective and in doing that I’ve seen a new side of myself and I see people for who they are. I pass no judgment because I live in a glass house; I just know where I fit in this gift called life. In the infamous words of the lovely Ms. Nina Simone, “it’s a new dawn. It’s a new day. It’s a new life for me. And I’m feeling good” I refuse to be anyone’s enabler.

Yea, I said it!

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This is a blast from the past, but a great praise and worship song none the less. This song always gets my going and I love blasting it when I listening to it. I hope it moves you and makes your Sunday praise and foot stomp worthy too.

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I saw this image recently and was blown away by it. It’s simple; however, it says so much and have decided to implement doing this and want to encourage you all to do the same.

Create your own card based on this one and post it in various places in your work and town. Find a bulletin board at work and post it and then go back to see if any of the tabs have been taken off. Do the same at your local library, bookstore, supermarket, church or any place you can.

I think it can and will make a heck of a difference in someone’s day; maybe even your own.

The recurring theme seems to be that I need to speak up, let my voice be heard, stop hiding (thoughts, emotions, etc.,). These are not coincidences, but instead intercessions I need to heed. I’m guilty y’all, but I’m listening and I’m hearing what God/the universe is telling me. It’s not going to be easy boys and girls because you’re girl has a lot on her mind and much that needs to be released. It’s not going to be easy, but I’m going to do it. Phew!

We cannot go back and undo; however, we can reflect, create/recreate, and prepare ourselves for authentic living. Let us be instruments of peace, understanding, change, and kindness always; in all ways. We need to heal, grow, encourage, and inspire ourselves and each other all the days of our lives. With all that has happened; we must realize there truly is no other time that NOW!